Lehigh Valley planners raise questions about Allentown and Bethlehem data center proposals
The Lehigh Valley Planning Commissioners raised significant concerns about two proposed data center developments in Allentown and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. They urged Allentown not to accept J.G. Petrucci's application due to a severe lack of project-specific information, while Boyle Construction's Bethlehem proposal, though more complete, still requires further details on environmental impacts like noise and air emissions.
The Lehigh Valley Planning Commissioners (LVPC) recently convened to review two proposed data center developments in the region, one in Allentown and another in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The commission voiced significant concerns regarding the potential impacts of these projects on surrounding neighborhoods and the local environment. Jill Seitz, LVPC chief community and regional planner, emphasized the commission's role in making recommendations to local municipalities, which retain final decision-making authority on land developments.
The proposal for a 146,000-square-foot data center at 1024 Bradford St. in Allentown, presented by developer J.G. Petrucci, drew strong criticism. Planners noted that the application lacked crucial project-specific details, including anticipated water and electricity demand, cooling system methods, noise and vibration levels, and generator locations. Due to this deficiency, Seitz stated that the LVPC could not recommend approval and urged Allentown to reject the application until more comprehensive information is provided by the developer. LVPC Vice Chair Chris Amato underscored the importance of complete information for informed community decisions and public trust.
In contrast, Boyle Construction, the developer for the proposed Bethlehem data center at 2184 Industrial Drive, submitted a more complete application. This proposal outlines a two-story, 131,180-square-foot facility utilizing an immersion cooling system, which would require an initial fill of 3 million gallons of water and 1 million gallons of glycol, followed by 20,000 gallons annually. The Bethlehem project anticipates a peak electricity demand of 120 megawatts, with 20% sourced from on-site natural gas generators and 80% from the PPL electric grid. The developers also committed to financing approximately $70 million in electrical and utility infrastructure improvements.
Despite the more detailed submission, LVPC commissioners, including Seitz and Brett Webber, still called for additional information, such as the exact number of generators and a comprehensive sound study. Concerns were also raised regarding potential pollution from natural gas generators and noise/heat emissions, particularly given the site's proximity to residential areas. Both data center proposals are currently pending evaluation by their respective local planning commissions.